All our curtains are handmade locally in Scotland. The following guide will give you all the information you need to measure for them. Please contact us if you have any queries.

Before you start we have a couple of top tips!

Measure for your curtains using a metal/wood ruler instead of a cloth one as cloth tapes can stretch over time.

If possible, fit your curtain track or pole before taking measurements, as you will need to measure the width of this rather than your window.

Consider extending the pole/track on either side of your window. This will allow room for the curtains to pull back neatly and will prevent loss of light to the room.

Measuring for curtains is easy! All you need is your width and finished length.

Width

If using a curtain track, measure the total length of the track. If using a curtain pole, measure the actual pole length excluding the finials.

Finished drop/curtain length

For curtains hung from poles

Measure the length required from the point indicated below (at the base of the ring) to where you want your curtains to finish.

If you are having eyelet or tab top curtains, measure from the top of the pole (as shown below) to the required finished length.

For curtains hung from tracks

Measure from the top of the track to where the curtains are to finish. This will ensure the track is entirely covered by the curtain.

Choosing your curtain length

The finished length of your curtains is a personal style choice. However, here are some guidelines to help you decide.

If you want

Sill length - measure to 1cm above the windowsill

Below sill - measure to approximately 15cm below the windowsill. If you have a radiator, consider allowing a few cementers for clearance.

Floor length - measure to the floor. If your floor is uneven, consider taking an average length or contact us to discuss in person.

Slight kick - measure to floor length and add 2-3cm.

Pooled curtains - measure to floor length and add 15-20cm if you like a pooled effect.

Any queries on the above, please contact us for advice.

Our most popular heading styles are outlined below.

However, if you fancy something different, just contact us and we'll be happy to discuss your requirements.

Pencil pleat is suitable for use with poles and tracks and is our most popular heading style.

We offer a standard (7.6 cm) pencil pleat and a deep (13.8cm) pencil pleat. We recommend using the deep pencil pleat for curtains with a finished length of more than 2.5m.

Triple pinch pleat is a more formal/decorative heading style suitable for use with poles and tracks.

We offer handmade pinch pleats or standard pinch pleats, both with a depth of 13.8cm. The standard pinch pleats are made using a heading tape, but the tape will be pulled up and pleats stitched before the curtains are delivered unless otherwise agreed.

Please contact us for a bespoke quote for handmade pleats.

Cartridge pleat is a decorative heading style suitable for use with poles and tracks.

Our cartridge pleats are made using tape with a depth of 9cm. Cartridges are spaced at regular intervals across the curtain width. These pleats are particularly useful when curtains are required to stack back neatly.

Tab top curtains are a modern heading style suitable for use with curtain poles only.

Curtains are hung from a pole by evenly spaced fabric tabs made from the same fabric as the rest of the curtains. Please remember that the curtain pole should extend at least 30cms on either side of the window to allow space for the pulled back tabs, and should be fitted at least 15 cms above the window.

Eyelet curtains are a contemporary style suitable for use with curtain poles only.

These curtains have a strip of stiffener sown into them to create a clean straight topline to the curtains. Each curtain is fitted with eyelets regularly spaced across the full width of the stiffener.

Eyelets are available in a choice of colors and sizes. We recommend that for poles up to 30mm in diameter, a 40mm eyelet should be used. For poles with a diameter of 30-40mm a 50mm eyelet is used and for poles with a 40-55mm diameter, we recommend a 66mm eyelet. A minimum of 4cm clearance is required above the pole for the curtain to move freely.

Important advice on a finished look for eyelet, triple pinched and cartridge pleated curtains

Fabric selection

Triple pinch pleats, cartridge pleats and eyelets are spaced regularly across the curtain.

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee where each stripe or pattern repeat will fall on a hanging curtain. This may result in some parts of the pattern being more visible than others.

Please also be aware that seams may fall within the pleat/eyelet or in the space between pleats. Feel free to ask us if you need further advice.

Trims and accessories

All our curtains can be edged or finished with a trim of your choice.

We can also provide cushions, tiebacks, valances, bedspreads, tablecloths etc in a variety of sizes and styles.

Please contact us for a quote and to discuss your requirements.

Lined curtains

Lining curtains extends their lifespan. It protects them from damage caused by sunlight, ensures that the fabric hangs properly and gives a professional finish. We recommend that all curtains are lined, but can make unlined curtains on request.

At County Fabrics we offer premium crease-resistant off-white or ivory lining as standard. However, we can provide quotes for a full range of coloured linings.

Bespoke linings: Surprise your neighbours! Why not line your curtains with a funky fabric that looks great from the outside? This is a great option for door curtains.

Blackout lining: Blackout lining greatly reduces the amount of light coming into a room and is perfect for children's bedrooms. Remember though that light may still come into the room round the sides and tops of your curtains. Blackout lining also improves the thermal performance of curtains.

Interlined curtains: Interlining is a layer of fleecy materialsandwiched between your curtain fabric and the lining.

It is very popular as the extra volume adds luxury to the finished curtains at low cost. Interlining also offers additional protection from fading and enhances the curtains' thermal performance. All of our interlined curtains are hand stitched in Scotland along the side and bottom seams.

Many companies offer curtains made with bonded interlining. This means that the lining and interlining are attached to the curtain fabric by means of an adhesive. Usually, curtains made with bonded interlining are machine sewn.

At County Fabrics weare passionate about quality and believe that curtains hang far better when separate lining and interlining are used. This avoids the stiffness that can come with adhesive.